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If you’re in the market for some high-quality hardware, Harrison Brother’s Hardware of Huntsville Alabama is certainly not the place to go. This once family-owned and operated store has been providing residents of north Alabama with everything that they need to complete their home improvement projects since it opened on the courthouse square in 1897 by brothers James B. and Daniel T. Harrison.
Once they ran out of family members to run Harrison Brothers Hardware Store? Things changed and they no longer sell those handy implements or tools for the DIY enthusiast.
Why would you want to visit a hardware store that doesn’t sell hardware?
This thought totally cracked me up and I had to investigate!
History of Harrison Brother’s Hardware:
Cheryl, the store manager, gave us a rundown on the history, shared a popular scavenger hunt for kids, and pointed out the items of interest that were preserved for future generations.
In 1897, Harrison Brother’s Hardware opened its doors on the Huntsville courthouse square. The store was originally founded by three Harrison brothers and quickly became a staple in the Huntsville community.
For generations, Harrison Brother’s Hardware was passed down through the Harrison family. They closed their doors in 1983 when John Harrison, the last remaining Harrison brother passed.
When the last surviving Harrison brother passed, this is where the nonprofit Historic Huntsville Foundation stepped in – they bought it to save and preserve this historic part of their community for the public and future generations.
What You’ll Find at Harrison Brother’s Hardware:
Today, Harrison Brothers Hardware is a nonprofit gift shop where you can find a variety of gems of original artwork from local artisans and vendors – both on consignment and things that are strictly retail. As I looked around, I was pretty impressed with the selection of art that shoppers could choose from.- it almost seemed like I was in an art gallery.
The art side also has a nice selection of children’s toys to balance out the fine crafts, if you are traveling as a family.
It was fun walking around and looking at things like the original ledgers from 1907 and 1908 – to get a sneak peek at the days when things were sold “on account” instead of being rung up by a register.
No worries – they still have the original register that is now 116 years old and still use it today for shoppers stocking up on home decor or souvenirs.
You will also see the original safe, old hand-operated elevator that was used back in the day to bring in those heavy cast iron stoves and ovens that were in every Huntsville kitchen.
I like how the building is basically divided in two; one-half full of art and the other side full of history – where you can look up and see preserved shelves of tins that looked like they were from the days when the brothers actually rand the store. Even the old marble shopping bins are still there. You will see iron cookware from Lodge Cast Iron, and kitchen tools next to a lot of gift items, gourmet foods, and even T-shirts. Make sure you ask them about the special markings on the wood floors – it was fascinating!
Harrison Brother’s Hardware Hours
Open Monday – Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and it is closed Sundays
It can be found in downtown Huntsville’s Southside Square at 124 Southside Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801 – just look for the historic plaque out front!
You need to see for yourself what generations of Harrisons built and the Historic Preservation Historic Huntsville Foundation has kept going as a unique shopping experience. And yes, it is on the National Register of Historic Places – Huntsville is good at that and the foundation’s preservation efforts have clearly paid off.
I can see why it is one of Huntsville’s popular tourist attractions. The staff of volunteers will make sure you enjoy the current store and walk out knowing a little more about the history of this historic hardware store.
So, if you find yourself in Huntsville, Alabama, be sure to check out Harrison Brother’s Hardware! You can find everything from original artwork to souvenirs – all while learning about the rich history of this iconic store. Harrison Brother’s Hardware is a must-see for the DIY enthusiast and history buff alike.
While you are in the neighborhood, make sure you check out the Alabama Constitution Village!
